Highlanders v Reds Good Friday 29th March
- Thread starter Troy
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Things are looking up for the Reds but they will have to be on top of their game to get a win in this one. While the Clan haven't won a game yet they have come close to some very good opposition. They've lost twice to the reigning champs, lost to a good Blues team and suffered against a Crusaders team finding some form. I would argue that their opposition has been much better than the Reds have faced, apart form the Brumbies.
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
Here's my Growden moment.
Someone keen on rugby i know, let's call him Transistor, spoke to some Blues players and staff after there trial in Toowoomba. Transistor was having a chat to them and gave them some crap about how the Highlanders (Transistor's team) would beat them this year. Apparently a couple of comments were made about how Nonu was bad news and they would struggle this year.
ACR
Desmond Connor (43)
Quoted.
I would almost, i repeat almost, argue that the Highlanders have played better rugby than the Reds have this year. Circumstances have been quite different though. I think it'll be a tight game. There's a reason the bookies are backing the Highlanders though I wouldn't be betting on this game.
Looking forward to it.
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
Glad Poki is not playing even if I was bringing him into my fantasy side.
Hore and Woodcock are back so they will be stronger up front but the back row leaves a a bit to be desired and Thorn is finally starting to show his age. Win up front and the Reds will get over the line. If the breakdowns turn to a shot fight and the ball is slow it will be close.
Hore and Woodcock are back so they will be stronger up front but the back row leaves a a bit to be desired and Thorn is finally starting to show his age. Win up front and the Reds will get over the line. If the breakdowns turn to a shot fight and the ball is slow it will be close.
The Red Baron
Chilla Wilson (44)
This is going to be a tough game - for both sides.
For me, both the Reds and Highlanders have been playing at about the same level; the only difference is that the Reds have been managing to get away with a few wins while the Highlanders have ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
Something has to click for either or both sides soon. I have a feeling that it won't be this weekend though. And I have no idea who will emerge as the winner on Friday. As a Reds fan, it is obvious who I want to win, but there is something about the Highlanders that really worry me. Even a depleted Highlanders outfit.
Funny thing is, I worry more leading about the Reds' chances leading up to a Highlanders game than I do leading up to Reds v Crusaders, or Reds v Chiefs game. It is just something about their style of play I think.
For me, both the Reds and Highlanders have been playing at about the same level; the only difference is that the Reds have been managing to get away with a few wins while the Highlanders have ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
Something has to click for either or both sides soon. I have a feeling that it won't be this weekend though. And I have no idea who will emerge as the winner on Friday. As a Reds fan, it is obvious who I want to win, but there is something about the Highlanders that really worry me. Even a depleted Highlanders outfit.
Funny thing is, I worry more leading about the Reds' chances leading up to a Highlanders game than I do leading up to Reds v Crusaders, or Reds v Chiefs game. It is just something about their style of play I think.
Penguin
John Solomon (38)
A lot of talk about the Clan at home being a tough proposition. Whilst home ground is always an advantage, a game in Dunedin isn't as imposing as it used to be at the House of Pain. The new stadium is a fantastic facility but takes away the weather advantage for the Highlanders.
BDA
Jim Lenehan (48)
If either team are off their game they will lose.
It's a bit hard to tell exactly where the Reds are at this season. To date, their forward play and general defence has been very solid, but otherwise they've been less than impressive. They're probably at the precipice right now, and will go one way or the other.
The return of Genia, and now Horwill, are positive signs. It hasn't taken Genia long to show signs that he will soon retake his spot as the best halfback in the world. It was evident last week that Cooper seems to improve dramatically outside Genia. Horwill also brings some much needed leadership to the forwards. The Reds have named probably their strongest run-on forward pack this year. If they play to their potential they'll get the win.
It's a bit hard to tell exactly where the Reds are at this season. To date, their forward play and general defence has been very solid, but otherwise they've been less than impressive. They're probably at the precipice right now, and will go one way or the other.
The return of Genia, and now Horwill, are positive signs. It hasn't taken Genia long to show signs that he will soon retake his spot as the best halfback in the world. It was evident last week that Cooper seems to improve dramatically outside Genia. Horwill also brings some much needed leadership to the forwards. The Reds have named probably their strongest run-on forward pack this year. If they play to their potential they'll get the win.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Quade Cooper was in if he didn't pass to Slipper.. is he too hesitant to run now?
Just ran and set up the try.
Just before that try I was thinking this start by the Reds was very reminiscent of their start vs the Crusaders last year in ChCh and then Hanson goes and scores..
Just ran and set up the try.
Just before that try I was thinking this start by the Reds was very reminiscent of their start vs the Crusaders last year in ChCh and then Hanson goes and scores..
Set piece magic
John Solomon (38)
Anyone else think the Gill penalty was dodgy as? I thought he clearly released the player, and there was a clear counter attack opportunity on for the Reds...
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